Jon M. Huntsman Center

Jon M. Huntsman Center. The Jon M. Huntsman Center is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Primarily serving as the home venue for the Utah Utes men's basketball and Utah Utes women's basketball teams, the facility has also hosted major concerts, political rallies, and other significant events since its opening in 1969. With a seating capacity of 15,000 for basketball, it stands as one of the largest on-campus arenas in the Pac-12 Conference and a prominent landmark within the University of Utah campus.

History

The arena was conceived during a period of significant growth for the University of Utah and its athletic programs, with groundbreaking occurring in 1966. It opened on December 1, 1969, as the Special Events Center, with its inaugural event featuring a performance by the The Jackson 5. The construction, which cost approximately $12.5 million, was financed through state appropriations and revenue bonds, reflecting the institution's expanding role in the Interstate 15 corridor region. For nearly two decades, it operated under its original name before receiving a transformative gift that led to its renaming in 1987, cementing its financial and operational future. The venue has undergone several renovations over the decades to update its amenities and infrastructure, ensuring it remains a competitive and modern facility for both NCAA athletics and large-scale public gatherings.

Architecture and features

Designed by the architectural firm George M. Cannon & Associates, the structure is noted for its distinctive hyperbolic paraboloid roof, a pioneering engineering feat at the time of construction that created a large, column-free interior space. The arena's exterior is characterized by its sweeping concrete forms, which are emblematic of the Brutalist architecture style prevalent in the late 1960s. Key interior features include a main basketball court, extensive concourses, and multiple locker room facilities for teams and officials. The building also houses the administrative offices for the University of Utah athletics department and contains numerous suites and premium seating areas that were added in later renovations to enhance the fan experience and generate revenue for the Utah Utes.

Notable events

Beyond collegiate athletics, the venue has a rich history of hosting major entertainment and civic events. It was a key venue during the 2002 Winter Olympics, hosting the figure skating and short track speed skating events, which were witnessed by international audiences and dignitaries. Numerous iconic musicians and performers have graced its stage, including Elton John, The Grateful Dead, and U2. The arena has also been a site for significant political discourse, hosting rallies for figures such as Ronald Reagan and serving as a debate venue for statewide political candidates. Furthermore, it has been the location for large religious gatherings, university commencement ceremonies, and high-profile lectures, solidifying its role as a central community hub for the Wasatch Front.

University of Utah athletics

The arena is the epicenter for University of Utah basketball and volleyball, providing a formidable home-court advantage known for its loud and passionate crowds. It has been the site of numerous memorable moments in Utah Utes men's basketball history, including multiple NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament games and conference championship contests during the team's tenure in the Western Athletic Conference and Mountain West Conference. The Utah Utes women's basketball team has also enjoyed great success in the building, including deep runs in the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament. The facility additionally serves as the home for the Utah Utes women's volleyball team and has hosted NCAA gymnastics meets, showcasing the breadth of the university's athletic programs.

Naming and dedication

The facility was renamed in honor of Jon Huntsman Sr., a prominent Utah philanthropist, industrialist, and founder of the Huntsman Corporation, following a substantial multi-million dollar donation to the University of Utah in 1987. The gift was part of Huntsman's long-standing philanthropic support for education, healthcare, and the arts within the state of Utah and beyond. A formal dedication ceremony was held, attended by university officials, state leaders, and members of the Huntsman family. The naming recognizes not only the financial contribution but also Huntsman's enduring legacy and commitment to the institution, with the arena standing as a permanent testament to his impact on the University of Utah and the broader community.

Category:Basketball venues in Utah Category:University of Utah Category:Buildings and structures in Salt Lake City